Smart technology is gaining popularity and with it comes the rise of the smart home. Eco-friendly living is also becoming a priority for more Canadians, and smart homes are a part of that effort. But what is a smart home? And how is a smart home eco-friendly?
What is a smart home?
A smart home is a home that implements advanced technology to automate, control, and replicate common household tasks by enabling the home’s systems and electronic devices to integrate. This allows homeowners to automate and control everything from lighting and temperature to entertainment and their morning coffee.
A smart home provides optimal convenience, enhanced security, and energy efficiency.
How is a smart home eco-friendly?
It may surprise you that a smart home makes eco-friendly living automatic. Smart home technology can track your energy use and help you conserve energy and water effortlessly. Here’s how.
A smart home is energy efficient.
A smart home can automatically save you money by reducing your energy consumption automatically.
Smart Temperature Control
Heating and cooling your home accounts for a significant portion of your household energy consumption. In many households, the heating and cooling system works hard to maintain temperature even when no one is home. Many people “set it and forget it”, resulting in wasted energy and higher utility bills.
A smart thermostat allows you to regulate your home’s temperature strategically to reduce energy consumption. You can adjust the thermostat remotely from your mobile device, or set it on a schedule for energy efficiency (such as turning the heat or air conditioning down when everyone is at work or school, then readjusting it just before everyone returns home).
Smart window treatments support your heating and cooling system for optimal efficiency. Automatic shades and blinds integrate with your smart home system for ultimate convenience and help with insulation and sunlight regulation.
To minimize air conditioning use, program your smart window shades to close during the hottest time of the day, or set them to automatically open during the warmest time of day in cooler weather. With the help of the sun and your window treatments, your heating and cooling system won’t have to work as hard to regulate your home’s temperature.
Smart Lighting
Lighting accounts for at least 4% of the average Canadian household’s energy use. Smart lighting can reduce your electricity usage automatically.
Have you noticed how often lights are left on in your home when no one is in the room? Automatic sensors can turn your lights off when someone enters the room and off when the room is empty.
Forgetting to turn off the lights is only one way your home’s lighting can waste energy. Using more brightness than you need is another way. Smart dimmer lighting allows you to dim lights based on your needs and preferences to reduce the amount of energy you’re using.
As with other smart home technology, smart lighting can be controlled from your mobile device. This is especially handy when you’re away on vacation or a business trip. You can turn off your lights from anywhere, or set different lights on and off randomly for security purposes.
Reduce Wasted Energy
Electronic devices use energy whenever they’re plugged in, even if they’re not in use. This is called “vampire energy”, and it accounts for up to 10% of your home’s energy usage.
Most of us don’t want to go to the trouble of unplugging each device when we’re done with it, and plugging it back in again later. Smart homes incorporate advanced technology to handle this issue for us automatically. Smart plugs and power strips can be turned on and off from your mobile device or by voice command, or set to a schedule.
Have you ever been driving to work or an event and suddenly have the thought, “Did I forget to turn off the hair straightener?” With a smart plug, you can turn off the power to any device that’s plugged into it. Not only does this save electricity, it’s also a safety feature and gives you welcome peace of mind.
Common devices and appliances that integrate well with this smart technology include:
● TVs
● Video game consoles
● Computers
● Kitchen appliances
● Coffee makers
Smart appliances are more energy efficient and offer other convenient features like keeping an inventory, alerting you when a door is left open, and connecting to your mobile devices. They also use predictive maintenance by sending you a message when an update is required. This leads to optimum performance and energy efficiency.
A smart home saves water.
The average Canadian uses about 329 litres of water per day. A smart home can help you reduce water waste automatically both inside and outside the house using various technologies.
● A smart irrigation system monitors the weather forecast and automatically adjusts the watering schedule when it rains.
● A smart shower head reduces water usage by alerting you of your water consumption via LED lights.
Smartphone apps can integrate with smart water fixtures to monitor your water usage and alert you when you’re nearing preset thresholds
Eco-Friendly Smart Homes in Calgary
A smart home is energy efficient and saves water, reducing your carbon footprint and lowering your bills automatically. The energy savings provided by a smart thermostat, smart plugs and power strips, smart energy-efficient appliances, smart lighting, and smart water fixtures all add up. The best part is that it makes eco-friendly living effortless!
The benefits of a smart home go beyond eco-conscious living by creating convenience, added security, and other incredible features. Melcom Homes is Calgary’s eco-friendly smart home builder. To find out more about the features of an eco-friendly house[1] or the smart home technology available, contact us today.
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